Floyd knows he’s no sure thing
AFL DRAFT 2017
DRAFT hopeful Ethan Floyd says seeing his brother Campbell miss out on an AFL opportunity has kept him grounded before tonight’s national draft.
The speedy wingman would have caught the eye of AFL scouts over a near flawless finals campaign in which he was critical to Geelong’s TAC Cup premiership.
Floyd then tested brilliantly at the combine, finishing top 10 in the Yo-Yo test and 2km time trial, showcasing his athletic assets.
Yet the 18-year-old from Colac will not be getting too far ahead of himself.
Floyd watched on in both 2014 and 2015 as older brother Campbell missed out on finding an AFL home.
“I don’t really think I’m definitely going to get picked up,” he said.
“To see what Campbell did when he was in the same boat has definitely kept my feet on the ground and I’m just grateful that he’s been through it and I’ve been able to take a leaf out of his book because he’s been through the same thing.
“He would have loved to have got drafted when it was his chance — he had the same opportunity that I did — but he’s been a great help for me throughout my football career.
“He’s given me tips along the way and has always been someone I can lean on whenever I’m stuck or need some help, whether it’s life or footy.”
But a lifelong dream would be achieved if Ethan Floyd’s name was called out tonight.
“It started at a young age, I knew I wasn’t a bad footballer, so I tried to make the best opportunity I could for myself and play the best footy I could wherever that may be,” he said.
“Playing AFL has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Even when I just first started out I wanted to be an AFL footballer.
“But it’s not in my hands any more, I’ve got to wait and see what happens.”
At least nine clubs have interviewed Floyd — the latest being St Kilda — with the rookie draft or a home at Geelong VFL fall back options if tonight does not go to plan.